The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is already investigating those who spread false information of “fake news” about the COVID-19 vaccination.
According to MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos, they will hold accountable those who spread false information on the vaccine.
“Ito ay parang trend, nangyari na noong isang araw, then today. Heto na naman tayo,” said Abalos.
“Ang panawagan ko lang, huwag basta-bastang maniniwala. Kontakin ang LGU (local government unit) ninyo,” the MMDA chief added.
This Sunday, people flocked to the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City after allegedly seeing a Facebook post saying that walk-in vaccinations will be accepted there.
But according to the local government of Quezon City, the vaccinees must be registered to be vaccinated.
“Akala nila, puwedeng pumunta as walk-in, mababakunahan ka na. Marami ang bumalik at maraming hindi nabakunahan,” said Sonny Cancio, team leader of Task Force Disiplina.
Eventually, the police and the Disciplinary Task Force also repatriated those who flocked to the vaccination site.
Also read: 4 DOH alert levels for COVID-19 status of each area
COVID-19 fake news spreader will be punished: MMDA
It will be recalled that on Thursday, thousands of people rushed to several vaccination sites after fake news spread that those who were not vaccinated against COVID-19 would not be allowed to leave the enhanced community quarantine, or they would not be given assistance.
To date, up to 24 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been injected nationwide.
Nearly 13 million have already received the first dose, while 11.2 million have been fully vaccinated, or equivalent to 15.88 percent of the target population.
The National Task Force Against COVID-19 has also proposed to the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group to include in vaccination those aged 12 to 17 in the face of the threat of the more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.
Once approved and there is an adequate vaccine supply, it is possible to start vaccinating those aged 12 to 17 in September or October.
Meanwhile, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was outraged by those who spread fake news amid the pandemic and increasing number of Delta variants.
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